I use three different types of front caps with my 18 ZE, and with my 21 ZE before I sold it.

1. I use a Nikon-style generic 82mm centre pinch cap for most of the time (see link), it works well with gloves.

2. I use a screw-on metal cap (half of an 82mm filter cap set) for when I travel with the 18 ZE, which is stored in an Op/Tech Snoot Boot or LensCoat LensPouch.

3. I use an Op/Tech Hood Hat or LensCoat Hoodie when I'm on site and in bad weather. I generally remove the Hoodie insert, especially for large lenses, as it makes it unstable when resting the lens on its nose.

+1 for the Nikon-style caps. They have both the inside pinch handles and ribbed pinchers at the edges, and work well gloved. Note that there isn't a native Nikon cap in 82mm, to my knowledge. The one I bought for my Zeiss 21 is a bit loose, so I am on the lookout for a better brand.

If you can operate the camera with gloves on then you can operate the lens cap. If you can't do either then your gloves are too thick. When using thick gloves I cut off the tips for the index finger and thumb.

jcolwell wrote:
The 82mm Nikon-style cap I have fits the 18ZE and 21ZE very well. It's a generic cap from a local photo store - Henry's. I might drop in there soon, and I'll check to see if it's branded.

[...later] It's branded Lumahawk, made in China. Probably a Canada-only brand name. Their main product line is lighting.

Are the springs in these caps as tight as real Nikon cap springs? I might even order one for Germany, if that is the case

jcolwell wrote:
The 82mm Nikon-style cap I have fits the 18ZE and 21ZE very well. It's a generic cap from a local photo store - Henry's. I might drop in there soon, and I'll check to see if it's branded.

[...later] It's branded Lumahawk, made in China. Probably a Canada-only brand name. Their main product line is lighting.carstenw wrote:
Are the springs in these caps as tight as real Nikon cap springs? I might even order one for Germany, if that is the case

I don't know how it compares with real Nikon caps, but it's a great fit on my 18ZE. It locks on very firmly, but comes off quite easily when you squeeze even one of the two sides. That's why I use a screw-on cap for travel, when the lens is in a snoot boot. When the hood is mounted in shooting position, it's very secure and safe, as nothing can 'tap' a release tab.

It's funny how lenses are sensitive to different caps. My Tamron 82mm cap fits the EF 24-70/2.8L II very well, but not the 18ZE. Similarly, the Lumahawk 82mm doesn't fit the 24-70L II so well, but is a fine match for Zeiss. Details, details...

I have now tried both the hood and the center pinch style cap and prefer the hood. My gloved hands still have trouble with a cap. The LensCoat pullover hood is much easier to use.

What I really need is a lens with a front element made out of diamond, which has a high refractive index and is hard to scratch. I could clean it off with sandpaper. Maybe Leica makes one; it's the only explanation for their prices.

Vox Sciurorum wrote:
... My gloved hands still have trouble with a cap.

What kind of gloves do you use? For cold weather, I use gortex bicycle gloves; very slender and close fitting, with good tactile response on the finger tips. When it's really cold, I also use a pair of big WP mittens that I can slide the gloves into.

Vox Sciurorum wrote:
What I really need is a lens with a front element made out of diamond...

I dislike those squeezy things - they are cheap, gather huge volumes of dust/crud in nooks and crannies and necessitate rocket blowing more often as a result. Never drop one in the dirt. I stick with the thin and light, dare I say minimalist CZ caps that force me to do what I should - be careful. Not perfect, almost an admission of imperfection by CZ - the bloody lens cap.

I use high quality thinsulate motorcycle gloves, tactile sensing is much too important for mittens and all I require is enough insulation to stop numbness setting in. I do think you get used to the cold, however, I rode motorcycles 365 days a year for 25 years in all conditions. If you wear mitts, where do you put the mitt when you take it off to work?

Filters work like disposable diamond hard material, good ones anyway. Zeiss love giving us filter rings unlike some other makers, ahem. Hoods don't work with ultra wides where I work, and take up too much change time and space in the bag. So there is the friendly contrarian, dare I say 'Alt' view!

What kind of road kill are you wearing on your melon, Bifurcator? Synthetic is for beta boys, you know, so the French ladies tell me. lol. Kind of offset by the tough guy green jacket, though, regaining you some brownie points. hah.